Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => Straight, Inc. and Derivatives => Topic started by: Anonymous on April 20, 2004, 09:17:00 AM
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Wanted to feel the air to see if anyone would be interested in attending a reunion of Straight Survivors?? I have checked on a meeting room, little blue chairs, memorabilia, documents, etc. I would personally love to catch up with oldtimers from the program and see what they look like now. No hate or ugliness need to be there. I thought perhaps we could sell tickets to pay for the room charge and get a sign in book for survivors to register information should they want to be found. I have a friend in the television business who thinks we could get a public anouncement of the event. I just thought I would see if anyone here would be interested. FEEDBACK:::::: :idea:
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Im interested....also interested in who's asking?
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I think it's a bad idea. Most likely you're just going to have a bunch of stoners and drunk people there, or pro-straight alumni. What a combo. I know there are a handful or two of alumni in Dallas that are still grateful for their experience there. It would be a nightmare and an embarrassment. I can't see it being productive. Why even post this idea with an anonymous post to begin with? Who are you? Also, I promise you NO-ONE would want to pay a dime for it either. You need sponsors and organization for a conference like that. Otherwise, you're just going to have a bunch of emotionally charged ex-straightlings with no outlet or purpose. Any more thoughts?
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We have attempted this a couple of times in the last 3 years for veterans of KIDS of El Paso, once in Vegas and once on Galveston Island in the Gulf. Both attempts were logistical nightmares, and failed miserably after a lot of planning and diligent effort. There are several variables that work against the idea that I'd be more than happy to discuss with you in an email. I wish you all the best. I am not far from Dallas and would be there if it happened, but it won't be easy to pull off.
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This has been done for three years running now. The first in Bethesday Md, and the other two in St. Pete. Yes, it is difficult to get follks to assist in paying to cover costs, but it can be done. It has been done for 3 years now, just that that group of people that put on the last conferences/reunions are not doing it this year. And, we had pro-straightling folks at the all three conferences, but by the end, they were singing a different tune. There was not any confrontation by pro and anti people. BAd idea? No I don't think so, but it is a hard nut to crack.
Hey, I attended all three conferences and I wasn't drunk or stoned at all. And, there were plenty others that weren't as well.
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Well, we're talking about Texas here... :roll:
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There is also a significant difference between a national conference and a program specific reunion. Again, I hope all the best for everyone involved. Many have attempted to coordinate such an event from my program without result.
It is far from a BAD idea, it's a great idea that takes much coordination.
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Very true.
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As long as it's not the first two weeks of July, I would do my damndest to be there.
I have seen pictures from other Straight reunions, and thought it would be a good idea to have one in Dallas, but since I'm no longer living in TX, I couldn't even begin to coordinate.
I don't think that it would be a volatile situation at all. I know that in the DFW area, there are probably quite a few people that are still pro-Straight. But I think the main reason for that is because from what I have read about all the other locations, Dallas didn't seem to be as abusive. I'm not saying that it wasn't abusive, I'm just saying that so many of the stories that I've read from other locations are pretty horrendous compared to what I had to deal with while I was there.
I am not pro-Straight, nor am I really anti-Straight.
I think that when there is a reunion like that, the main reason people show up is just to see the other people who show up and find out what everyone's up to.
I drink, I don't use drugs, and I don't crucify others who choose to use drugs. I have had periods in my life of complete abstinence since Straight, and I have had periods in my life of using illegal substances on a daily basis. I don't think that a reunion would be a drunken drug infested fiasco.
And one thing that I have learned from living in many different states is that Texans are proud, and when it comes down to it, Texans stick together.
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On 2004-04-20 08:09:00, Anonymous wrote:
"Well, we're talking about Texas here... ::bwahaha::
God bless Texas
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well uh, yeah I can read...I know that "Texas" is spelled T E X A S and not F L O R I D A and I'm fully aware of the meaning of "conference" and "reunion". Just was trying to make the comparison.
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I don't think that it would be a volatile situation at all.
Well then, you're just kidding yourself!
I know that in the DFW area, there are probably quite a few people that are still pro-Straight. But I think the main reason for that is because from what I have read about all the other locations, Dallas didn't seem to be as abusive. I'm not saying that it wasn't abusive, I'm just saying that so many of the stories that I've read from other locations are pretty horrendous compared to what I had to deal with while I was there.
Um, wrong. Where were you? Why were there four suicides, a murder, and numerous other tragedies surrounding Dallas then? Considering the short time it was open, it was horrific! Like I said, you're kidding yourself.
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There were plenty of tragedies in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay area as well and the conferences/reunions went off fine. I had a great time meeting all my old straightling friends and making new ones. It was also good to "get-the-word-out" about the programs, then and now. I think a relaxed reunion w/out any major agenda would be fun...sorry I can't make it. My vacation time is spoken for this year.
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On 2004-04-20 10:28:00, Anonymous wrote:
Why were there four suicides, a murder, and numerous other tragedies surrounding Dallas then?
There are tons of tragedies that occur everyday when drugs, alcohol and various types of mental illness is involved. Lots of bad things happen to good people every single day. Just because four different people happened to be in Dallas Straight that killed themselves, doesn't mean that Straight made them do it.
I know two people who committed suicide that were in Dallas Straight, Gena Golden & Sheila Condon. And I can also personally vouch that both of these girls had serious mental problems, and I firmly believe that Straight did not cause them to commit suicide. They were both mentally ill before their intakes, Straight may have fueled the fire, but it was not the sole cause for their destructive ends. And anyone that knew these girls, knew that they were haunted by their emotional demons. I believe that they both finally have the peace that they so deserved.
And as a survivor of attempted suicide, I can also tell you that when I made the decision to end my life, it was not because I had been INCARCERATED in Straight. It was because of the mental anguish that I felt at that moment due to a multitude of issues.
Most people who abuse drugs and alcohol, (notice I say abuse, not use), have underlying issues of depression, serious abuse from parents or other family members, or other types of mental illness. Unless they can ever deal with the underlying causes for their substance abuse, tragedies will follow them.
When I stated that Dallas Straight didn't seem that abusive, I am talking about while we were in Straight. Last I heard, there were no murders or suicides of people while they were locked up in Straight. Please correct me if I'm wrong about that, because I would like to have all the accurate information I can get.
[ This Message was edited by: taureana on 2004-04-20 12:04 ]
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On 2004-04-20 08:36:00, taureana wrote:
I don't think that it would be a volatile situation at all. I know that in the DFW area, there are probably quite a few people that are still pro-Straight. But I think the main reason for that is because from what I have read about all the other locations, Dallas didn't seem to be as abusive. I'm not saying that it wasn't abusive, I'm just saying that so many of the stories that I've read from other locations are pretty horrendous compared to what I had to deal with while I was there.
Please, Dallas was horrific, and did a good job at fucking up lots of kids that were there. What are you comparing them for anyways. Constant screaming, yelling, name calling, restraints, people carving in their arms, people giving their minds and souls to their abusors. You were there and yet you say it wasn't so bad, well you are fooling only yourself, if that. Ever hear of repressed emotions???
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On 2004-04-20 12:02:00, taureana wrote:
"On 2004-04-20 10:28:00, Anonymous wrote:
Why were there four suicides, a murder, and numerous other tragedies surrounding Dallas then?
There are tons of tragedies that occur everyday when drugs, alcohol and various types of mental illness is involved. Lots of bad things happen to good people every single day. Just because four different people happened to be in Dallas Straight that killed themselves, doesn't mean that Straight made them do it.
I know two people who committed suicide that were in Dallas Straight, Gena Golden & Sheila Condon. And I can also personally vouch that both of these girls had serious mental problems, and I firmly believe that Straight did not cause them to commit suicide. They were both mentally ill before their intakes, Straight may have fueled the fire, but it was not the sole cause for their destructive ends. And anyone that knew these girls, knew that they were haunted by their emotional demons. I believe that they both finally have the peace that they so deserved.
And as a survivor of attempted suicide, I can also tell you that when I made the decision to end my life, it was not because I had been INCARCERATED in Straight. It was because of the mental anguish that I felt at that moment due to a multitude of issues.
Most people who abuse drugs and alcohol, (notice I say abuse, not use), have underlying issues of depression, serious abuse from parents or other family members, or other types of mental illness. Unless they can ever deal with the underlying causes for their substance abuse, tragedies will follow them.
When I stated that Dallas Straight didn't seem that abusive, I am talking about while we were in Straight. Last I heard, there were no murders or suicides of people while they were locked up in Straight. Please correct me if I'm wrong about that, because I would like to have all the accurate information I can get.
[ This Message was edited by: taureana on 2004-04-20 12:04 ]"
I completely agree with what you have said here. It is nice to see that there are people on these boards that see things for what they are.
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I see where you're coming from also, taureana. I would love for you all to prove me wrong! I truly hope your reunion is a success. ::cheers::
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Certainly you dont really believe that do you, Taureana?
I remember straight alot diffrent than that.
I agree that alot of us had/have mental illness..
and thats partially why alot of us were put in Straight.
I was in jail 5 times longer than my stint in straight....and the funny thing is..jail isnt an ominous bad memory..yes it sucked but Id rather do 9 years in jail than 9 months in straight.
I do not have anger to the point of plotting murder over jail...
I do not have nightmares about Jail...
I do not think about jail every couple of hours..
But thats just me..
I caused all of these shitty things to happen in my life...and none of them come close to what straight was.
Im glad to hear that it doesnt eat at you, though.
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The reunion is a bad idea..Could you imagine what would happen if you just put the people that post on fornits regulary in a conference room face to face? oh my god... :lol:
Thats like having a nazi/jewish holocaust reunion...
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Naw. its much easier to be hateful and abusive in writing than in person.
I actually went to a Straight Dallas reunion that went down not too long after it closed down. It was open to cop-outs and graduates alike. There were several people there still in aftercare, and were not allowed to speak to me because I was a cop-out. It went off without a hitch, everyone had a great time and no one got in anyones way. Even though there was some avoidance and ignoring going on.
I dont think it should be set up in a conference format. I think it would be cool to meet up ata restaurant, or somewhere similar...very informal. Let everyone make their own plans to get here at their own expense. that way, only people who really mean to make it a positive experience will show.
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On 2004-04-20 12:09:00, Anonymous wrote:
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On 2004-04-20 08:36:00, taureana wrote:
I don't think that it would be a volatile situation at all. I know that in the DFW area, there are probably quite a few people that are still pro-Straight. But I think the main reason for that is because from what I have read about all the other locations, Dallas didn't seem to be as abusive. I'm not saying that it wasn't abusive, I'm just saying that so many of the stories that I've read from other locations are pretty horrendous compared to what I had to deal with while I was there.
Please, Dallas was horrific, and did a good job at fucking up lots of kids that were there. What are you comparing them for anyways. Constant screaming, yelling, name calling, restraints, people carving in their arms, people giving their minds and souls to their abusors. You were there and yet you say it wasn't so bad, well you are fooling only yourself, if that. Ever hear of repressed emotions???
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I think you need to go back and read my posts again. Never did I ever say that "Dallas wasn't so bad." I said that Dallas was not as bad as some of the other locations. And I'm not comparing. I thought Dallas was extremely horrible, and then I read stuff that went on at St. Pete & Cinci, and I'm grateful that I didn't have to deal with the stuff those people dealt with.
Yeah, I was there. I remember the feeling you'd get in the pit of your stomach every Friday night after open meeting, just sweating it out to see if your name was gonna be called. I remember having to constantly help restrain misbehavor girls, because there were so few people on the girls side and most of the girls were physically and emotionally weak. I remember some strung out junkie trying to attack a pregnant exec staff, slamming her to the ground and her clawing the tops of my hands while she was being restrained. I remember freaking out in the parking lot because a bitchy upper phaser told me not to look at my own mother, and getting slammed by a bunch of 5th phaser guys, going into group the next day with all the blood vessels busted in my neck so that it looked like I was covered in hickeys. I remember coming back to group after copping out and getting high in front of my 3 newcomers and getting ripped by people that didn't give a shit about me. I remember watching Sheila Condon carve huge letters on her forearm that spelled SATAN and then flicking her hepetitis infected blood on the backs of the newcomers on the first row. I remember getting attacked in the time out room in the old building before group started by two misbehavors, and when guys came in to get the one of my back, she ripped hair out of my head that gave me a bald spot the size of a softball.
I remember thinking that my life was passing me by and that I had to get out and live. I remember walking across that field, praying that no one would see me before I had a chance to get to a phone. And I remember the fear that I had when I went back to get my clothes almost 2 months after I left, and being scared to death that my boyfriend was in cahoots with staff and that people would be waiting to restrain me and drag me back into the building.
I never said that Straight wasn't that bad. How's that for fucking repressed emotions?
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Yes thats true..You are probably right.
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On 2004-04-20 15:38:00, Carmel wrote:
"I dont think it should be set up in a conference format. I think it would be cool to meet up ata restaurant, or somewhere similar...very informal. Let everyone make their own plans to get here at their own expense. that way, only people who really mean to make it a positive experience will show."
I agree!
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On 2004-04-20 15:55:00, taureana wrote:
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On 2004-04-20 12:09:00, Anonymous wrote:
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On 2004-04-20 08:36:00, taureana wrote:
I don't think that it would be a volatile situation at all. I know that in the DFW area, there are probably quite a few people that are still pro-Straight. But I think the main reason for that is because from what I have read about all the other locations, Dallas didn't seem to be as abusive. I'm not saying that it wasn't abusive, I'm just saying that so many of the stories that I've read from other locations are pretty horrendous compared to what I had to deal with while I was there.
Please, Dallas was horrific, and did a good job at fucking up lots of kids that were there. What are you comparing them for anyways. Constant screaming, yelling, name calling, restraints, people carving in their arms, people giving their minds and souls to their abusors. You were there and yet you say it wasn't so bad, well you are fooling only yourself, if that. Ever hear of repressed emotions???
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I think you need to go back and read my posts again. Never did I ever say that "Dallas wasn't so bad." I said that Dallas was not as bad as some of the other locations. And I'm not comparing. I thought Dallas was extremely horrible, and then I read stuff that went on at St. Pete & Cinci, and I'm grateful that I didn't have to deal with the stuff those people dealt with.
Yeah, I was there. I remember the feeling you'd get in the pit of your stomach every Friday night after open meeting, just sweating it out to see if your name was gonna be called. I remember having to constantly help restrain misbehavor girls, because there were so few people on the girls side and most of the girls were physically and emotionally weak. I remember some strung out junkie trying to attack a pregnant exec staff, slamming her to the ground and her clawing the tops of my hands while she was being restrained. I remember freaking out in the parking lot because a bitchy upper phaser told me not to look at my own mother, and getting slammed by a bunch of 5th phaser guys, going into group the next day with all the blood vessels busted in my neck so that it looked like I was covered in hickeys. I remember coming back to group after copping out and getting high in front of my 3 newcomers and getting ripped by people that didn't give a shit about me. I remember watching Sheila Condon carve huge letters on her forearm that spelled SATAN and then flicking her hepetitis infected blood on the backs of the newcomers on the first row. I remember getting attacked in the time out room in the old building before group started by two misbehavors, and when guys came in to get the one of my back, she ripped hair out of my head that gave me a bald spot the size of a softball.
I remember thinking that my life was passing me by and that I had to get out and live. I remember walking across that field, praying that no one would see me before I had a chance to get to a phone. And I remember the fear that I had when I went back to get my clothes almost 2 months after I left, and being scared to death that my boyfriend was in cahoots with staff and that people would be waiting to restrain me and drag me back into the building.
I never said that Straight wasn't that bad. How's that for fucking repressed emotions?"
Lucky Dallas!!:tup:
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I would most definately go. There are at least a hundred people I could name that I would like to catch up with.
Sandy Strawn, Ellen Savage, Theresa Patterson, Jennifer Purdy, Laura Andree, Carmen York, BOB SHREVE, Andy Bomburger, Burk Jackson, Jennifer Loar, Leslie Wright, Betsy Denser, Allison Boggs, Kathy David, Bobby Gilbert, Angie,Anita, & Bill Nations, Brett Stockelman, Tim Savell, Becca Parum, Marilee Kossac, Chris Cox & Family, Shelly Beavers, Lori Barnes, Doug Irwin, Jeff Dodd, Brad Maisel, Kelly Clark,Stacy Eliff, Lori Means, Stacy Trailer, Leslie Eberstein, Amy Ebersole, Brett (car wreck), Kim Gent, Shannon & Barry Adelman, Scott Ladd, Justin Pettycrew, Robbie Pettygrew, Mike Wellam, Todd Tucker, Todd Townley, James Hardy, Bob Birdman, Cesar Venegoni, man the pressure, so many names are on the tip of my tonge and I can't spit them out. Anyways, I would go. I would also LOVE to see a lot of the parents. Especially the Caughy's and the Cox's and the Loar's I think they were my favorites. The Savage's too, but I heard they split, but I love em any way.
Lay off the harshness Anon- you are haranging the person who threw this out anonomously and you are posting anon. too. Don't whine about being bold if you can't be. Ya big crybaby!!! ::mecry::
Just funnnin, don't even know ya but come on!!!!
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Didn't you know Tim Krisinsky(sp?) is in prison for killing his mom the second time he graduated Straight, Irving?
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OH MY GOD!!!!
Are you sure? That blows my mind. I had not heard that. Is this Morli???
Let me know if you find anything on that. I would love to read it.
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He was put through the program twice, the second time he got out, he killed his mom. Really gruesome. The story goes on to say that after killing her, he put her in the trunk of her car, and went joyriding with some friends. I couldn't find the article on Wes's site. I can't ever get around that site very well! :silly:
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Reading all those names just made me Ill
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On 2004-04-21 13:10:00, Maude wrote:
"He was put through the program twice, the second time he got out, he killed his mom. Really gruesome. The story goes on to say that after killing her, he put her in the trunk of her car, and went joyriding with some friends. I couldn't find the article on Wes's site. I can't ever get around that site very well! :silly:
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I know I read that somewhere too, before I found the Fornits site and I was searching for Dallas Straight topics.... I'll run another search and see if I can't post the link.
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A boy got out of Straight - Dallas and beat his mother to death with a baseball bat. After cleaning her blood and brains off the floor and walls, he put her limp body in the trunk of her car and rode around town trying to take his friends on a joy ride.
http://www.thestraights.com/introduction.htm (http://www.thestraights.com/introduction.htm)
I know that I saw a newspaper article with his picture in it... still searching.
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Ran into a former Dallasite on line... was asking if I'd heard anymore on the "reunion".
Anon who started this thread, have you made a decision? Clue us in. :smile:
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You guys remember Paul Ashley?
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No, why? When was he there? What'd he look like?
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Why not just skip the logistical nightmares and get a room at a restaurant and agree on a date?
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That'd be great..... but some of us are now out of state, and would need a nice advance notice. ::bwahaha2::
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That'd be great..... but some of us are now out of state, and would need a nice advance notice. ::bwahaha2::
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I could tell you how a bunch of these ppl are doing...today's the 1st i've heard of this site...it's kind of interesting.
I don't know how good i'd be at a reunion, i don't rememer 95% of what went on there & i'm happy about that...i don't have too many good memories of straight.
Here's what i'm grateful for: it introduced me to aa & i still have lots of great friends from there, but that's it.
I'm sure it's probably really hard to figure out who i am by my username, that's ok, if you want to talk, get in touch, whoever.
[ This Message was edited by: twin1 on 2004-10-08 10:20 ]
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[ thread resurrection ]
Let's get together Wednesday, November 15th, at the Old Monk on 75/Henderson at 8pm.
-------jasonp